Edentulous is a term used in dentistry to describe a person who has no teeth. Its spelling follows the conventions of English phonetics, where the letter "e" is pronounced as /iː/, the letter "d" is pronounced as /d/, and the letter "t" is pronounced as /t/. The ending "-ulous" is pronounced as /-jʊləs/ and refers to a condition or state. Together, these sounds create the word edentulous which accurately describes a person without teeth.
Edentulous is an adjective used to describe a person or animal who has no teeth, either naturally or due to tooth loss. The term is derived from the Latin word "dentulus," meaning "tooth," with the prefix "e-" denoting the absence or lack of teeth.
Typically, the term edentulous is used in the field of dentistry, where it refers to the condition resulting from complete tooth loss in one or both dental arches. Edentulous individuals may have lost their teeth as a consequence of various factors, such as advanced gum disease, dental trauma, or congenital abnormalities. As a result, they require specialized dental care to restore proper oral function and aesthetics.
In order to improve their chewing ability, speech, and overall health, edentulous patients often choose to wear complete dentures, which are artificial devices that replace all the missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Denturists and dental prosthetists are professionals who specialize in designing, fabricating, and fitting these dental prostheses specifically for edentulous individuals.
Edentulism can significantly impact a person's quality of life, affecting their self-confidence, nutritional intake, and speech clarity. Therefore, regular dental check-ups and appropriate dental hygiene practices are essential to prevent tooth loss and maintain optimal oral health.
Toothless.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word edentulous is derived from two Latin roots: e, meaning without, and dent, meaning tooth. The combining form -ulous means full of or possessing. Therefore, edentulous combines these roots to suggest someone or something that is without teeth or toothless.